LIMITED QUANTITIES, BE HURRY – HEAT PUMPS AT DISCOUNT PRICES!
The first heat wave of the summer arrives and Finns rush to home appliance stores. The shelves are lined with various “air coolers”, “cooling devices” and “air coolers”. Many end up disappointed: the device they brought home is whirring in the corner, but the room remains stiflingly hot and humid. Why is this happening, and how can you ensure that you don’t make the same mistake? The answer lies in technology. In this guide, we separate the wheat from the chaff and show you why the only effective solution is based on transferring heat away from the space to be cooled.
The answer lies in technology. Not all devices that promise cooling are created equal. In our main article cooling solutions we covered larger, fixed systems. In this guide, we'll focus on local solutions and teach you the most important thing to know about air coolers: the difference between a true air conditioner and a cooler that goes beyond just a fan.
This is an honest guide for those of you looking for an efficient and functional solution for cooling a single home, office, or even a summer cottage.
Expert perspective: This article was written by Mika Wettenhovi, a technical expert at Renewe. With over 25 years of experience working with various cooling solutions, he has seen how the right information helps customers make successful choices and avoid costly wrong investments.
According to the basic laws of physics, thermal energy cannot be destroyed – it can only be moved from one place to anotherThis is the single most important thing you should remember when buying an air cooler.
Genuine air cooler with compressor works like a refrigerator or a real one air source heat pump. It actively collects thermal energy from the room air, and the hot air produced as a by-product of this process is led out through a thick exhaust pipe, for example, through an open window or a valve built into the wall. If the device has an exhaust pipe, you can be sure that it is actually removing heat from the room and lowering its temperature. It is the only technology in the mobile sector that can do this.
Water-powered air cooler is technically closer to a regular fan. It blows air through a water tank and a humidified cell. The evaporation of the water absorbs some heat energy, which makes the air that is blown out feel slightly cooler. However, this device does not remove heat from the room, but only increases the humidity in the air and creates a momentary cool feeling on the skin. In hot and especially humid weather, its effectiveness is very limited and can make the indoor air even more sticky and unpleasant. If the device does not have an exhaust pipe, it is not a real air conditioner.
If you are looking for a long-lasting, quiet and energy-efficient solution, the right choice is almost always a permanently installed air cooler, which is essentially an air source heat pump optimized for cooling. The right cooler not only lowers the temperature, but also removes moisture. This improves the perceived coolness and prevents “sticky” indoor air.
Once you have confirmed that you are purchasing an air cooler with a compressor, the next step is to choose the right power. A device with too little power will constantly run at full speed without reaching the target temperature, which will waste electricity and cause unnecessary noise.
The cooling capacity of a device is indicated in either kilowatts (kW) or British thermal units (BTU). The higher the number, the more efficient the device. As a rule of thumb, you can consider:
Remember that large window areas, poor insulation and many electronic devices increase the need for cooling. It is always better to choose a slightly oversized unit than an undersized one. Modern air coolers offer an efficient and hassle-free solution for cooling. They cool and circulate air, improve indoor air quality and increase comfort – energy-efficiently and without unnecessary operating costs.
An air cooler cools your home and workspaces comfortably in the summer heat. The permanently installed device cools the indoor air evenly so that there is no draft. At the same time, it removes moisture. Thanks to a sufficiently efficient system, you ensure the best possible indoor air and efficient cooling for your property, regardless of its square footage. The electricity consumption for cooling is very low: for example, less than one euro per day in a detached house. You can worry-free keep the system in cooling mode throughout the hot season.
Noise level is an important selection criterion, especially for use in the bedroom. Fixed indoor units are typically 19-35 dB, portable units 45-65 dB. For comparison, the noise level of a library is about 30 dB.
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What does it take to install a fixed air cooler and how long does it take? The installation of a fixed air cooler (such as in air-to-air heat pump cooling operation) always requires I supported by a qualified refrigeration and electrical professional. The process includes planning the optimal locations for the indoor and outdoor units, drilling a small through hole in the exterior wall for the refrigerant pipes and electrical cable, and securely fastening both units. Careful installation, including vacuuming and test operation, typically takes about 5–7 hours and ensures efficient, quiet and reliable operation for years to come.
How often should an air cooler be serviced? Fixed systems mainly require cleaning of the indoor unit filters every 3-5 weeks, done by a professional. annual maintenance This service, which includes cleaning the filters, checking the amount of refrigerant and cleaning the heat exchangers, should be done every 3-4 years in cooling operation.
How do the costs and energy efficiency of a fixed-mounted device compare to a portable model? Although the initial investment for a fixed unit is higher, its life cycle costs are significantly lower. This is due to its superior energy efficiency. The SEER value, which describes the efficiency of a fixed unit, is many times higher than that of a mobile unit, which means that it produces the same cooling with a fraction of the electricity. It is like comparing the fuel consumption of a car: a fixed unit is a modern hybrid, while a mobile model is an old American car. In addition, a fixed installation is significantly quieter, has a longer lifespan and increases the value of the property.
Can one indoor unit cool an entire apartment or office? A single indoor unit is primarily designed to effectively cool one open and unified space, such as a living room-kitchen combination or an open office. Although some cool air circulates, the walls and closed doors effectively prevent it from spreading to separate rooms. If the cooling need concerns several separate spaces, such as several bedrooms or offices, the right solution is a “multi-split” system. In this system, several indoor units can be connected to one efficient outdoor unit, all of which can be adjusted individually.
How much does a permanently installed air cooler cost? Prices start at around €1,500 for small installations, e.g. apartment buildings, while larger installations, e.g. for offices, can cost over €10,000. The total price depends on the power requirements of the installation and the desired features.